Q1. The Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958, introduced under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, primarily aimed to achieve which of the following objectives?
Science and Technology in Independent India: RAS Prelims MCQs
68 RAS Prelims MCQs on science and technology in independent India cover the nuclear and space programmes, missile development, supercomputers, the IT industry and biotechnology. Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan, A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and the institutions they built are asked with their works and locations.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 68 questions
Q2. Who among the following is widely acknowledged as the principal architect of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme?
Explanation
Homi J. Bhabha is recognized as the visionary behind the Indian nuclear energy strategy. He formulated the three-stage programme to utilize the country’s vast thorium reserves for sustainable power generation. His leadership established essential institutions like the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, laying a robust foundation for advanced physics research and long-term atomic energy independence in India.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):
Statement I: CSIR was established as an autonomous body to promote industrial research in India.
Statement II: The President of India serves as the ex-officio President of CSIR.
Identify the correct statement from the options below.
Statement I: CSIR was established as an autonomous body to promote industrial research in India.
Statement II: The President of India serves as the ex-officio President of CSIR.
Identify the correct statement from the options below.
Explanation
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research serves as an autonomous body promoting diverse industrial research. While it focuses on technological advancements across various sectors, its leadership structure is specific. The Prime Minister of India, rather than the President, holds the position of ex-officio President. This governance model ensures high-level executive support for national research and development initiatives.
Q4. Four of the following entities belong to the same category based on India’s early technological advancements. Identify the odd one out.
Explanation
Early Indian technological achievements focused heavily on space exploration and satellite technology. Aryabhata, Bhaskara-I, and Rohini represent significant milestones in the country’s satellite launch history and orbital research. Conversely, Prithvi belongs to the category of defense technology as a surface-to-surface ballistic missile developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, making it distinct from early civilian satellites.
Q5. Match the eminent scientific institutions in List I with their key founders or pioneering figures in List II.
| Scientific Institutions | Founders/Pioneering Figures |
|---|---|
| A. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) | i. Vikram Sarabhai |
| B. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) | ii. P.C. Mahalanobis |
| C. Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) | iii. Homi J. Bhabha |
| D. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) | iv. Vijay Bhatkar |
Explanation
India’s scientific landscape was shaped by visionary founders of key institutions. Homi J. Bhabha established the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, while Vikram Sarabhai founded the Physical Research Laboratory. Vijay Bhatkar led the development of supercomputing at C-DAC, and P.C. Mahalanobis pioneered statistical research at the Indian Statistical Institute. These leaders provided the necessary framework for specialized scientific progress in several domains.
Q6. Which of the following factors is considered the most appropriate reason for the rapid emergence of Bangalore as the Silicon Valley of India during the IT revolution?
Explanation
Bangalore’s transformation into a major global technology hub was driven by several socio-economic factors. The presence of numerous engineering colleges provided a steady supply of skilled, English-speaking professionals. Additionally, proactive state policies and the establishment of dedicated software technology parks created an environment conducive to international trade. These elements collectively attracted multinational corporations, fostering a robust software export economy.
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding the Green Revolution technology in India:
I. It relied heavily on the introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds of wheat and rice.
II. It led to a significant decrease in the consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
III. M.S. Swaminathan played a crucial role in adapting these technologies to Indian conditions.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It relied heavily on the introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds of wheat and rice.
II. It led to a significant decrease in the consumption of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
III. M.S. Swaminathan played a crucial role in adapting these technologies to Indian conditions.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The Green Revolution transformed Indian agriculture by introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. M.S. Swaminathan was instrumental in adapting these technologies to suit the local climate and conditions. Contrary to reducing chemical usage, this intensive farming model required a significant increase in the application of fertilizers and pesticides to ensure the high productivity of the new seeds.
Q8. Which of the following missile systems was NOT developed as part of the original Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) initiated in 1983?
Explanation
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, launched in 1983, aimed to achieve self-reliance in missile technology. It focused on five core systems, including Agni, Prithvi, Trishul, Nag, and Akash. However, BrahMos is a separate project. It was developed as a joint venture between India and Russia much later, focusing on supersonic cruise missile technology rather than the original programme.
Q9. Given below are two statements, one labeled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Vikram Sarabhai strongly emphasized the application of space technology for national development and mass education over military applications.
Reason (R): He was instrumental in initiating the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) to bring education to remote Indian villages. In the context of the above statements, which one of the following is correct?
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):
Assertion (A): Vikram Sarabhai strongly emphasized the application of space technology for national development and mass education over military applications.
Reason (R): He was instrumental in initiating the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) to bring education to remote Indian villages. In the context of the above statements, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
Vikram Sarabhai envisioned space technology as a powerful tool for social development and education. He believed that satellites could bridge the information gap in rural areas effectively. The Satellite Instructional Television Experiment exemplified this philosophy by delivering educational content to remote villages via satellite. This practical application directly supported his goal of using advanced technology to improve national welfare.
Q10. Which of the following statements correctly describes India’s first satellite, Aryabhata?
Explanation
Aryabhata, India’s maiden satellite, was a significant milestone in indigenous engineering and design. Although domestic scientists and engineers completely fabricated the satellite in Bangalore, the country lacked an orbital launch vehicle at that time. Consequently, the Soviet Union provided the necessary launch services using a Kosmos-3M rocket. This successful collaboration marked the beginning of India’s journey into space science.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) To foster, promote, and sustain the cultivation of science and scientific research in all its aspects |
| 2 | (a) Homi J. Bhabha |
| 3 | (a) Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect |
| 4 | (d) Prithvi |
| 5 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 6 | (d) A large pool of English-speaking technical graduates and early favorable state policies for software exports |
| 7 | (c) I and III |
| 8 | (c) BrahMos |
| 9 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 10 | (d) It was entirely designed and fabricated in India but launched by the Soviet Union. |
Key facts from Science and Technology in Independent India
- Homi J. Bhabha was the principal architect of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
- Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space programme, founded the Physical Research Laboratory at Ahmedabad.
- Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, was launched in 1975 on a Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket; the Satish Dhawan Space Centre is at Sriharikota.
- The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme was launched in 1983 with A. P. J. Abdul Kalam as its architect; he earlier worked on SLV-3.
- Texas Instruments set up its R&D centre in Bangalore in 1985, which started the growth of the IT industry there.
- A cryogenic engine uses liquid hydrogen as fuel and liquid oxygen as oxidiser; PARAM, Anupam and PACE are Indian supercomputers.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Science and Technology in Independent India?
This page has 68 practice MCQs on Science and Technology in Independent India (Modern Indian History). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is the three-stage nuclear power programme?
The plan devised by Homi J. Bhabha to use India’s limited uranium and large thorium reserves in three stages: natural uranium reactors, fast breeder reactors and, finally, thorium-based reactors. It remains the basis of India’s nuclear energy policy.
Which rocket launched Aryabhata?
A Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket, in April 1975. Aryabhata was India’s first satellite, built by ISRO, and it was launched from the Soviet Union because India had no launch vehicle of that capability at the time.
What is the IGMDP?
The Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme, launched in 1983 under DRDO with Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam as its chief architect. It developed missiles such as Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash and Nag.